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Does battery tender charge hybrid battery?

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Main Forum' started by Jburner, Mar 13, 2022.

  1. Jburner

    Jburner Member

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    I’ve had this happen several times and I’m wondering if it’s coincidence or if it’s happening because I charge my 12 v battery overnight with a battery tender. Each morning after leaving the 12v battery on the tender, my hybrid battery is almost full on startup. Does charging the 12v battery also charge the hybrid battery?
     
  2. john1701a

    john1701a Prius Guru

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    No. It can't. When you shutdown the system, that 12-volt battery is used to disconnect the battery-pack. (It flips a relay.)

    If you truly want to know state-of-charge level, you'll need to use an aftermarket app. The dashboard display is only a generalized depiction.
     
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    what is the hybrid battery level when you shut down at the end of the day?
     
  4. CooCooCaChoo

    CooCooCaChoo Senior Member

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    Changes in temperature will also change the amount of charge the hybrid battery has and can hold. Since spring is rolling in, the battery will start to be able to hold more charge than the winter.
     
  5. robsnyder20

    robsnyder20 Active Member

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    I once a couple times a year charge my 12v battery and it always seems I get better MPG after doing so. No scientific reasoning here, just my personal judgement.

    FYI: I always personally try to charge my battery to 80%, or at least 50% if leaving it overnight or a few days. For me its not too difficult, just keep the car from using the hybrid battery to cruise down my street and then slow down to charge it before pulling into the driveway.
     
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    ?
     
  7. Doug McC

    Doug McC Senior Member

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    If I understand the hybrid system explanation by The Car Care Nut and others on YouTube (for what that’s worth) there is no physical connection between the two when everything is shut down, so it shouldn’t be possible. Plus, considering the size of the traction battery, the battery tender isn’t capable of charging it to that level overnight unless it putting out a lot more amps than I understand them capable of at the tender setting.